I have a 1998 SL2. The other morning, it started briefly but sputtered and died within 2-3 seconds. Since then, it turns over but will not start.

I replaced a coil pack that I thought could be the problem, with no luck. I am getting spark at the plugs.

I then pushed it into the garage and added a bottle of HEET, in hopes that water had frozen in the gas line. No luck again. I can hear the fuel pump engage when I turn the key to the on position. There is fuel pressure at the fuel rail, and I can smell fuel in the exhaust.

The night before it wouldn't start, it seemed to run fine. If anyone has any ideas on what else could be the trouble, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

Are you sure your battery's healthy?

Put the pedal to the floor and crank in 5 second intervals, then waiting to let your starter recover and not melt down. Occasionally they flood and the pedal to the floor shuts off the injectors to clear a flood.

Do this in a well ventilated area. It will likely spew out a huge cloud if it does start.

Also be sure you can get to the battery to charge it if the above does not work and you need to jump it.

 

Crank sensor???

 

he has spark so crank sensor is good.........

 

I think this has been brought up a few times........

Read the link
https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/general-tech-help-13/etcs-its-connnector-6417/

 

Thanks for the help.

derf--

I tried it with the pedal to the floor, and it still didn't start. There is occasional cylinder firing--maybe once every second or so, not enough to sustain the engine.

As for the battery, I have it hooked up to a charger.

 

OK, this morning with a fully charged battery I got it to start with the gas pedal fully depressed.

Now to get a new temperature sensor....

 

and CONNECTOR buy both from the DEALER.

 

Total cost for the parts from the dealership should run around $40usd ...

 

Glad to be of help.

My 97SC2 did this to me for only the second time in 16 years about a month ago. Last time it was -18F in Madison WI. This time turns out my battery was biting the dust simultaneously which I did not realize until after having to restart it while hooked to jumper cables (as the battery was already pretty toasted and would barely turn the engine over after the next restart). New battery and starts like a champ. May not be your issue but that is the source of my battery health question.

Definitely do the ects and connector from GM dealer--the original one is crap